320 engine ticking noise

Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:39 pm

Hi im new to the e30 scene so this is probably a question. I have a 320 ise, the engine has a ticking noise sounds like the injectors but could it be the tappets, is there anyway to solve this or is it just the way these engines are.

Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:53 pm

These engines run better with a slightly wider tappet clearance,pull the cover off and set to .25/30mm,closer setting is standard,I run at .28mm.

Injectors do tick a bit,have a look in the traders forum,there's a guy there who will clean,service and re-build by post at a sensible cost.

Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:17 pm

0.28mm?

Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:21 pm

Im confused wat to do hav the same problem
, to run a bigger clearence or smaller??

Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:24 pm

nas786 wrote:Im confused wat to do hav the same problem
, to run a bigger clearence or smaller??

You have to find the source of the clicking first

Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:41 pm

Well im sure its the tappets, but ive re adjusted them with a tighter drag on 0.10 and now te engine is idling rougher at low revs when u start up

How do u stopt the injectors from clicking if its that?

Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:56 pm

You can't. The sound is a feature of m20s. (to put it bluntly)

Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:15 am

Lol brilliant! I think im gonna adjust to a bigger clearance today as its tapping harder n louder now

Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:45 pm

Also check the exhaust manifold nuts on cylinder 6, this can produce a ticking sound with a slight leak.